During the flag-raising rites in Luneta, the president served as a flag-bearer. He was joined by Vice President Jejomar Binay and former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada.
Wearing the military uniforms designed by hero and painter Juan Luna, soldiers honored the president and escorted him during the wreath-laying ceremony. President Aquino thanked the troops for honoring him with a snappy salute.
The outgoing president also offered flowers to the monument of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
According to historian Xiao Chua, the wreath-laying or offering of flowers is a practice of showing respect “which is understood in all cultures.” Xiao added, the flower-offering is not just for Rizal, but for all the Philippine heroes who fought for independence — and those who are continuously fighting for liberation from many forms of oppression.
The wreath-laying was followed by a 21-gun salute, which is the highest form of honor given only to heads of state, men in uniform, and heroes of the country.
There were also simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies at historical landmarks in the country.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales led the rites at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit , Cavite. The shrine used to be the residence of Emilio Aguinaldo, the First President of the Republic of the Philippines. Aguinaldo made the Declaration of Independence at his residence in 1898, where the Philippine flag was officially unfurled.
Morales called on the people to “fight for the institutions of democracy, for human rights, and fight criminality within bounds of law.”
The Philippine flag was also raised in Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan, with Mayor Guia Gomez and senator-elect Sherwin Gatchalian leading the ceremonies; and in Veteran’s shrine in Manila North Cemetery, lead by National Defense Usec. Ernesto Carolina.
Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno meanwhile led the flag-raising ceremony in Quezon City Hall, and Sen. Cynthia Villar in Barasoain church.
118 years of Independence
It was June 12, 1898 when Philippines’ first president, General Emilio Aguinaldo, declared independence from Spain and officially presented the Philippine flag that Filipinos know and use to date.
Despite debates of whether or not it is the “real” Independence Day of the nation — with some historians arguing that the country was also colonized by the Americans and conquered by the Japanese during World War 2 — Chua said it is important to celebrate June 12 as Independence Day.
“June 12 was the day when we said ‘we were independent.’ That was victory for us… We won the revolution, and that we emphasize,” Chua said in an interview with CNN Philippines.
Chua also said Independence Day is when Filipinos claimed their ‘identity’ as a nation — a nation of gallant people.
Chua emphasized, Filipinos are still “a gallant people,” and that “we must carry it in our lives even if it’s not Independence Day.”
Source: CNN Manila
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